School Choice Without Vouchers [PDF file]
Expanding Education Options Through Tax Benefits
Author(s): William Howell and Mindy Spencer — Publication date: 2007-10-01
Category: Education
Abstract: The school choice movement has suffered
a number of severe setbacks during the last
decade. California and Michigan voters rejected school voucher ballot initiatives in 2000, state courts in Colorado and Florida ruled that their voucher programs were unconstitutional, and during negotiations over the No Child Left Behind Act, President Bush abandoned provisions that would allow students in failing
public schools to switch to private schools.
Our Legacy of Neglect [PDF file]
The Longfellow Bridge and the Cost of Deferred Maintenance
Author(s): David Westerling and Steve Poftak — Publication date: 2007-07-31
Category: Better Government
Abstract: Bridges are the physical manifestation of
vital connections between communities. The
Longfellow Bridge connects two economic and
cultural powerhouses - Boston and Cambridge
- yet suffers from such neglect and disrepair
that reconstruction may cost several times more than the price of simply building a new bridge.The bridge’s problems, clearly visible to the naked eye but even more dramatic below the surface, are symptomatic of a statewide failure to maintain our public assets.... Managing Water Demand [PDF file]
Price vs. Non-Price Conservation Programs
Author(s): Sheila M. Olmstead and Robert N. Stavins — Publication date: 2007-07-18
Category: Economic Opportunity
Abstract: Even though the Commonwealth is
blessed with adequate rainfall and full reservoirs,many towns greet summer with watering bans and other draconian conservation tactics that seem
better suited to the desert Southwest. Why?
Economists Sheila Olmstead and Robert Stavins,in their new Pioneer Institute study Managing Water Demand, argue that heavy-handed, punitive restrictions on water use are not only expensive, but often ineffective. Rehabbing Urban Redevelopment [PDF file]
Working Paper on Building the Next Urban Economy
Author(s): Jim Stergios, Executive Director, Pioneer Institute — Publication date: 2007-02-08
Category: Economic Opportunity
Abstract: While the Commonwealth’s economy faces slow growth in wages and tax revenues, our costs – especially housing – remain sky high. To confront both slow growth and high costs, there are concrete policy steps that could transform older industrial cities – the Middle Cities – into engines of economic growth. “Rehabbing Urban Redevelopment,” by Pioneer Executive Director Jim Stergios, makes the case for comprehensive strategies that, in some cases, have already led to more jobs, more housing, and healthier municipal balance sheets.
Please note: This is a working paper and we welcome any feedback on its content, especially on benchmarking and our other policy recommendations.Feedback should be directed to Steve Poftak.
Powerpoint presentation also available. Housing and Land Use Policy in Massachusetts [PDF file]
Reforms for Affordability, Sustainability, and Superior Design
Author(s): Amy Dain — Publication date: 2007-02-01
Category: Economic Opportunity
Abstract: Massachusetts' is burdened by housing-price hyperinflation, loss of population, poorly designed neighborhoods, and sprawling, environmentally destructive development. Amy Dain presents detailed evidence of how aggressive, convoluted zoning - not a shortage of land - undermines the proper function of the housing market. Dain also presents detailed, actionable proposals for state-level efforts that could make affordable, environmentally sound development the path of least resistance for communities and developers. Housing Programs in Weak Market Neighborhoods [PDF file]
Developing the Right Tools for Urban Revitalization
Author(s): Peter A. Gagliardi, Executive Director HAP, Inc. — Publication date: 2006-12-01
Category: Economic Opportunity
Abstract: While housing affordability is an important state policy goal, a new Pioneer Institute report details how well-meaning state policies may actually hurt the revitalization of poorer communities. The study finds that most state programs are intended to ensure affordability in the state's heated housing markets. In neighborhoods with weak housing markets, vacant properties, abandoned buildings, and aging infrastructure, these programs are counterproductive: restricting homeowners' equity, discouraging the sale of redeveloped properties and concentrating poverty.
Author Peter Gagliardi details how certain policy tools, such as deed restrictions on the resale of properties and extremely restrictive homebuyer eligibility criteria, "are not well suited to achieving the goal of revitalization" of low-income communities with weak housing markets. Gagliardi also makes detailed recommendations for the development of better urban revitalization policy tools. Education Reform in Massachusetts (1) [PDF file]
Aligning District Curricula with State Frameworks
Author(s): Jamie Gass and Grant Wynn — Publication date: 2006-11-01
Category: Education
Abstract: While Massachusetts taxpayers have spent over $40 billion on public education since 1993, new Pioneer Institute research shows essential mandates of the Education Reform Act—the development of district curriculum standards and the use of student data to improve performance —have been neglected by many school districts. These new studies, produced by Pioneer’s Center for School Reform, analyze school district performance assessment data reported by the Massachusetts Office of Educational Quality and Accountability (EQA).
Each study focuses on a different EQA accountability measure. One evaluates districts’ progress in developing district curricula and aligning them with the state’s curriculum frameworks; the other considers districts’ use of MCAS data to direct their reform efforts. Education Reform in Massachusetts (2) [PDF file]
Using Student Data to Improve District Performance
Author(s): Jamie Gass and Grant Wynn — Publication date: 2006-11-01
Category: Education
Abstract: While Massachusetts taxpayers have spent over $40 billion on public education since 1993, new Pioneer Institute research shows essential mandates of the Education Reform Act—the development of district curriculum standards and the use of student data to improve performance —have been neglected by many school districts. These new studies, produced by Pioneer’s Center for School Reform, analyze school district performance assessment data reported by the Massachusetts Office of Educational Quality and Accountability (EQA).
Each study focuses on a different EQA accountability measure. One evaluates districts’ progress in developing district curricula and aligning them with the state’s curriculum frameworks; the other considers districts’ use of MCAS data to direct their reform efforts. Measuring Up? [PDF file]
The Cost of Doing Business in Massachusetts
Author(s): — Publication date: 2006-10-01
Category: Economic Opportunity
Abstract: A new study commissioned by Pioneer and conducted with Global Insight demonstrates that Massachusetts’ land and housing costs, along with high operating expenses from energy to unemployment insurance, are dramatically eroding business competitiveness in nine key industries. Measuring Up? The Cost of Doing Business in Massachusetts further finds that when compared with six neighboring and/or competitor states, Massachusetts is consistently among the least profitable places to do business. Public Pensions [PDF file]
Unfair to State Employees, Unfair to Taxpayers
Author(s): Dr. Ken Ardon — Publication date: 2006-05-01
Category: Better Government
Abstract: Pioneer Institute is releasing two reports by Salem State College professor Ken Ardon that underscore the Commonwealth's structural fiscal challenges and opportunities for considerable savings that are being lost. In Public Pensions: Unfair to State Employees, Unfair to Taxpayers, Dr. Ardon argues that abuse of pension eligibility exceptions, ambiguities, and loopholes have added an estimated $3 billion to the state's pension liability. In Leaving Money on the Table: The 106 Pension Funds of Massachusetts, Dr. Ardon finds that, over the past 10 years, poor investment performance in locally managed pension funds have cost taxpayers an
estimated $1.6 billion. Leaving Money on the Table [PDF file]
The 106 Pension Funds of Massachusetts
Author(s): Dr. Ken Ardon — Publication date: 2006-05-01
Category: Better Government
Abstract: Pioneer Institute is releasing two reports by Salem State College professor Ken Ardon that underscore the Commonwealth's structural fiscal challenges and opportunities for considerable savings that are being lost. In Public Pensions: Unfair to State Employees, Unfair to Taxpayers, Dr. Ardon argues that abuse of pension eligibility exceptions, ambiguities, and loopholes have added an estimated $3 billion to the state's pension liability. In Leaving Money on the Table: The 106 Pension Funds of Massachusetts, Dr. Ardon finds that, over the past 10 years, poor investment performance in locally managed pension funds have cost taxpayers an
estimated $1.6 billion. The Elephant in the Room [PDF file]
Unfunded Public Employee Health Care Benefits & GASB 45
Author(s): Eric S. Berman, CPA and Elizabeth K. Keating, CPA, Ph. D — Publication date: 2006-05-01
Category: Better Government
Abstract: Pioneer Institute is releasing two reports by Salem State College professor Ken Ardon that underscore the Commonwealth's structural fiscal challenges and opportunities for considerable savings that are being lost. In Public Pensions: Unfair to State Employees, Unfair to Taxpayers, Dr. Ardon argues that abuse of pension eligibility exceptions, ambiguities, and loopholes have added an estimated $3 billion to the state's pension liability. In Leaving Money on the Table: The 106 Pension Funds of Massachusetts, Dr. Ardon finds that, over the past 10 years, poor investment performance in locally managed pension funds have cost taxpayers an
estimated $1.6 billion. Long-Term Leasing of State-Owned Skating Rinks [PDF file]
A Competitive Contracting Success Story
Author(s): Susan Frechette — Publication date: 2006-04-10
Category: Better Government
Abstract: A new study by Pioneer Institute, entitled Long-Term Leasing of State-Owned Skating Rinks, details the benefits of competitive contracting. The study reviews the ability of competitive contracting to address long-term capital needs, reduce operating costs, and expand access to state-owned skating rinks.
An additional fact sheet is also available.
Charter School Fact Paper no. 1 [PDF file]
Author(s): — Publication date: 2006-04-01
Category: Education
Abstract: In order to address the critics' complaints about charter schools, Pioneer Institute’s Center for School Reform has authored four brief Charter Public School Policy Fact Sheets that debunk the common grievances against charter public schools. These fact sheets address charters' academic accountability, fiscal accountability, leadership and innovation, and ability to meet communities' needs. Charter School Fact Paper no. 2 [PDF file]
Author(s): — Publication date: 2006-04-01
Category: Education
Abstract: In order to address the critics' complaints about charter schools, Pioneer Institute’s Center for School Reform has authored four brief Charter Public School Policy Fact Sheets that debunk the common grievances against charter public schools. These fact sheets address charters' academic accountability, fiscal accountability, leadership and innovation, and ability to meet communities' needs. Charter School Fact Paper no. 3 [PDF file]
Author(s): — Publication date: 2006-04-01
Category: Education
Abstract: In order to address the critics' complaints about charter schools, Pioneer Institute’s Center for School Reform has authored four brief Charter Public School Policy Fact Sheets that debunk the common grievances against charter public schools. These fact sheets address charters' academic accountability, fiscal accountability, leadership and innovation, and ability to meet communities' needs. Charter School Fact Paper no. 4 [PDF file]
Author(s): — Publication date: 2006-04-01
Category: Education
Abstract: In order to address the critics' complaints about charter schools, Pioneer Institute’s Center for School Reform has authored four brief Charter Public School Policy Fact Sheets that debunk the common grievances against charter public schools. These fact sheets address charters' academic accountability, fiscal accountability, leadership and innovation, and ability to meet communities' needs. Regulation and the Rise of Housing Prices in Greater Boston [external file]
A study based on new data from 187 communities in eastern Massachusetts
Author(s): Edward L. Glaeser, Jenny Schuetz and Bryce Ward — Publication date: 2006-01-01
Category: Economic Opportunity
Abstract: Analysis demonstrating that municipal land-use restrictions have affected housing production and prices in the region. Also see the related website. Navegando A TRAVÉS DE LAS Reglamentaciones & los Requisitos para el Obtenimiento de Licencias [PDF file]
Una Guía para los Empresarios de BOSTON en 20 Tipos de Empresas
Author(s): Adriana Nuñez, Alla Yakovlev, Michael Kane — Publication date: 2005-11-01
Category: Education
Abstract: Navegando a través de las Reglamentaciones y los Requisitos de Obtenimiento de Licencias: Una Guía para los Empresarios de Boston en 20 Tipos de Empresas está diseñado para que el empresario adquiera un entendimiento rápido de los requisitos necesarios para iniciar un negocio en la ciudad de Boston. El Pioneer Institute ha investigado las reglamentaciones de la ciudad, del estado y federales y ha compilado los resultados en esta guía de cómo hacerlo paso a paso. Boston Guide for Spanish Speaking Entrepreneurs [PDF file]
Author(s): Adriana Nuñez, Alla Yakovlev, Michael Kane — Publication date: 2005-11-01
Category: Education
Abstract: The Center for Urban Entrepreneurship has recently released a Boston guide for Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs. The guide provides a detailed roadmap for starting 20 different businesses in Boston, including a comprehensive list of permits, licenses, and forms necessary for meeting local, state and federal requirements for each business type.
A Roadmap to Financing [PDF file]
Author(s): — Publication date: 2005-08-01
Category: Economic Opportunity
Abstract: The results of a 4-month mentor-protégé collaboration between the six community organizations and three banks of the Urban Business Alliance
Massachusetts Private School Survey: [PDF file]
Gauging Capacity and Interest in Vouchers
Author(s): Kathryn Ciffolillo and Elena Llaudet — Publication date: 2005-08-01
Category: Education
Abstract: Study finding substantial interest among private schools in publicly funded vouchers and ample private school classroom capacity for a school voucher program to be successfully launched.
Massachusetts Collaboratives: [PDF file]
Making the Most of Education Dollars
Author(s): M. Craig Stanley, Ed.D. — Publication date: 2005-06-01
Category: Education
Abstract: Study finding that making greater use of educational collaboratives -- regional associations of individual school districts -- can produce substantial cost savings for Massachusetts districts at a time when many of them are grappling with declining funding.
Parents, Choice, and Some Foundations for Education Reform in Massachusetts [PDF file]
Author(s): William G. Howell, Assistant Professor of Government, Harvard University — Publication date: 2004-11-01
Category: Education
Abstract: Drawing on the results of a telephone survey of 1,000 parents in Massachusetts' 10 largest school district, the paper examines public school parents' knowledge of and interest in alternative schooling options.
An Evaluation of Intradistrict Equity in Massachusetts [PDF file]
Author(s): — Publication date: 2003-09-01
Category: Education
Abstract: A look at per-pupil spending on instruction within the state's seven largest school districts, showing substantial variation in intradistrict school finance, attributable largely to the cost of special education. The study also finds schools with high percentages of minorities and students with limited English proficiency tended to spend more per pupil than did other schools in a district, though federal and state grants generally play a compensatory role in the disparate spending.
Getting Home: [PDF file]
Overcoming Barriers to Housing in Greater Boston
Author(s): Charles C. Euchner, Rappaport Institute for Greater Boston, Harvard's Kennedy School of Government — Publication date: 2003-01-01
Category: Economic Opportunity
Abstract: Detailed anaylsis of state and local building codes, zoning requirements, and other regulatory policies and processes in Massachusetts that have hampered construction and raised costs of housing, contributing to the housing crisis in Greater Boston.
Rationalizing Health and Human Services [PDF file]
Author(s): Charles D. Baker, Jr., former Massachusetts Secretary of Health and Human Services — Publication date: 2002-12-01
Category: Better Government
Abstract: Recommends that Massachusetts state government's $10-billion, 15-agency health and human services bureaucracy be overhauled by reorganizing existing agencies--set up along category or "product" lines--into an integrated structure based on functional lines: information technology, licensing, investigations, purchased services, administrative/financial operations, case management, and transitional assistance.
Competition and Government Services: [PDF file]
Can Massachusetts Still Afford the Pacheco Law?
Author(s): Geoffrey F. Segal, Adrian T. Moore, and Adam B. Summers, Reason Public Policy Institute — Publication date: 2002-10-01
Category: Better Government
Abstract: Finds that while competitive contracting by government agencies in other states is growing--and has resulted in significant service improvements and cost savings, the "Pacheco law" on privatization has "virtually outlawed" the practice in Massachusetts, as only six state services have been contracted out to private service providers since the law was enacted in 1993. Agenda for Leadership 2002: [PDF file]
Framing the Issues Facing the Commonwealth
Author(s): — Publication date: 2002-09-01
Category: Better Government
Abstract: Identifies 10 key issues facing the Commonwealth and offers policy recommendations for each.
A Declaration of Independence: [PDF file]
Reaffirming the Autonomy of the Third Branch
Author(s): James W. Dolan, Esq., former First Justice, Dorchester District Court — Publication date: 2002-03-01
Category: Better Government
Abstract: Details legislative micro-management of Massachusetts court system, resulting in unnecessary staffing and patronage, inequitable allocation of resources, and inefficient operation of the judiciary.
Civic Education: [PDF file]
Readying Massachusetts' Next Generation of Citizens
Author(s): David E. Campbell, research fellow at Harvard's Program on Education Policy and Governance — Publication date: 2001-09-01
Category: Education
Abstract: Examines that state of civic education in Massachusetts, comparing the performance of district, charter, and private--including parochial and independent--schools in preparing students for responsible citizenship.
Written excerpts from release of the study
Giving a Leg Up to Bootstrap Entrepreneurship: [PDF file]
Expanding Economic Opportunity in America's Urban Centers
Author(s): Samuel R. Staley, Howard Husock, David J. Bobb, Sterling Burnett, Laura Creasy, and Wade Hudson — Publication date: 2001-01-01
Category: Economic Opportunity
Abstract: Compares the regulatory climate for small businesses in Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, and Los Angeles, finding that the Hub's "accumulation of layers of regulation and government bureaucracy" is burdensome to small business.
The Power To Take: [PDF file]
The Use of Eminent Domain in Massachusetts
Author(s): Michael Malamut, New England Legal Foundation — Publication date: 2000-12-01
Category: Economic Opportunity
Abstract: Examines the use--and abuse--of eminent domain for government land takings in Massachusetts.
Written excerpts from release of the study
Government Effectiveness Index: [PDF file]
A Cross-State Survey
Author(s): James Stergios, Pioneer Institute research director — Publication date: 2000-11-01
Category: Better Government
Abstract: Assesses Massachusetts state government effectiveness on 8 core functions--K-12 education, higher education, highways, transit, police, judiciary, corrections, and financial administration--in comparison to 5other states--Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, Rhode Island, and Virginia.
Toward a High-Performance Workplace: [PDF file]
Fixing Civil Service in Massachusetts
Author(s): Jonathan Walters, Governing magazine — Publication date: 2000-09-01
Category: Economic Opportunity
Abstract: Finds Massachusetts' civil service system is "overly bureaucratic, unresponsive, rule-bound, and control oriented;" recommends a series of steps to bring the Commonwealth into line with best practices in personnel management.
Written excerpts from release of the study Charter Colleges: [PDF file]
Balancing Freedom and Accountability
Author(s): Robert O. Berdahl and Terrence J. MacTaggart — Publication date: 2000-01-01
Category: Education
Abstract: Applies the charter school idea to public higher education, arguing that deregulation coupled with a charter or agreement with the state will enable institutions to operate more efficiently and produce higher quality education results.
Written excerpts from release of the study
Flawed Forecasts [PDF file]
A Critical Look at Convention Center Studies
Author(s): Heywood T. Sanders — Publication date: 1999-11-01
Category: Better Government
Abstract: An increasing number of American cities are pursuing an economic development strategy aimed at boosting convention and visitor activities. The rhetoric of convention center investment is drawn from “feasibility studies,” generally developed by a national accounting or economic research firm.This paper,
based on review of more than 30 such studies, takes a hard look at each feasibility study component to
gauge its utility to policymakers and others who rely on these studies to make public investment....
The complete Executive Summary can be viewed here. Economic Opportunity in Boston: [PDF file]
An Index of the Regulatory Climate for Small Entrepreneurs
Author(s): David J. Bobb, Pioneer Institute research associate — Publication date: 1999-10-01
Category: Economic Opportunity
Abstract: Catalogs regulatory barriers to small business in Boston. The Cost of Inaction: [PDF file]
Does Massachusetts Need Public Construction Reform?
Author(s): Douglas Gransberg, University of Oklahoma — Publication date: 1999-10-01
Category: Better Government
Abstract: Compares the performance of Massachusetts' public construction procurement process to that of 3 other states, finding Massachusetts has the poorest performance in terms of cost and time growth; urges legislative action to focus on quality, timeliness and cost-effectiveness.
Competition in Education: [PDF file]
A 1999 Update of School Choice in Massachusetts
Author(s): Susan L. Aud, George Mason University — Publication date: 1999-09-01
Category: Education
Abstract: Updates an earlier Pioneer study on the impact of charter schools and interdistrict choice, documenting school districts' response to losing students.
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